How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and understand why you believe you may have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to access it. You'll need to explain to your GP how you believe you might have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you a specialist to conduct an assessment. Adults should prepare an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they experience on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviews with you as well as your family members and others who know you well. They will take the information they gather and create a report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate, that you start treatment with medications.
You might find that some doctors aren't willing to recommend you for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.
In England, you have the legal right to decide the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and doesn't cost you more than the NHS directly. If you're not able to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You may be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips on this subject here.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to recommend you. This can be a lengthy process and you may need to wait years for an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a brand new legal right that allows should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can ask to be directed to a private service by this method.
If you do this, then your GP must agree to this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, the majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private provider of your choice. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they believe that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD, or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your problems then they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. They will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity to discuss any options for medication, and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for support at school or at work. The cost of any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either via emails or short phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an evaluation
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is by having an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Ask your GP for advice if you're concerned about the waiting time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you are being referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process faster.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation with standardised questions. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to become blank when talking about their own experiences.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children suffer from ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment which could include a range of tests, such as psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. Depending on where you reside in the UK, there are many organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or you can consult your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than using the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in a variety of areas such as relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these problems. Due to the rise in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create a treatment plan. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. This is something to think about prior to your evaluation. It will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is often faster than the NHS route, but you should check whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
how to get an assessment for adhd will ask questions about your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits are affecting your life right now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and record instances of how you have encountered these characteristics in your life before going for an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It opens the door to a variety of treatment options and can provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.